EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The consultation received a relatively large number of responses, 56 in total.
1. Do you agree that in order to adapt to the possible effects of climate change on moorland, it is necessary for the Scottish Ministers to be given powers to vary the permitted dates for making muirburn in the future?
28 agreed with the proposed power with six respondents qualifying their answer.
24 did not agree and the majority of these considered there was a lack of evidence to suggest that such a power is needed, and were concerned that the overall length of the burning season could change.
4 gave a neutral or ambiguous response.
A number of responses expressed views on the way in which such a power could be implemented:
1. There was support for starting the muirburn season earlier, with some respondents identifying 1 September as a potential start date.
2. There were opposing views on any curtailment of burning in spring.
3. There was support for more localised or site specific licenses.
4. A power was sought to suspend muirburn during prolonged dry spells.
Respondents expressed differing opinions whether there was evidence of any change in the nesting behaviour of breeding birds.
2. Do you consider that there are any other amendments required to the muirburn provisions within the Hill Farming Act 1946 to adapt to climate change?
25 responses were received, only one relating to climate change adaptation, which suggested that there was potential to explore reviewing altitude limits if there was evidence of birds nesting at higher altitudes.
Other responses related to wider changes to the 1946 Act, outwith the scope of this consultation.
3. Do you consider that there are other climate change related impacts that affect how you carry out muirburn?
27 responses were received, covering five areas relating to climate change and muirburn:
- Current weather pattern changes which are negatively impacting upon the ability to undertake muirburn.
- Concerns over future weather pattern changes which have potential to negatively impact upon muirburn.
- Concern over increased outbreaks of heather beetle and other diseases.
- Concerns over current and potential vegetation changes which would impact on muirburn.
- Suggestions for further research on the relationship between muirburn and climate change, including emissions and carbon storage.
In addition, most respondents used this consultation to raise a variety of other points relating to muirburn, some of which related to climate change mitigation, and many of which related to the current Muirburn Code and (non-climate change) aspects of the 1946 Act.